ALMOST 200 tractors took part in the 16th Beadlam Charity Tractor Run on Sunday.

The event is now one of the biggest in the country and was launched in 2003 by retired local builder Bernard Simpson to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Just 35 tractors took part in the first run, raising £1,700 for the charity. The following year the number of vehicles and the amount raised more than doubled.

Bernard, 88, and his family still organise the event that takes the tractors on a 50-mile route through 19 villages and last year raised just over £10,000 bringing the total donated to the charity to more than £100,000.

Bernard’s son, Malcolm, an estate worker from Kirkbymoorside, said: “I do a lot of the organising now, but this is still very much my dad’s event.

“It was a fantastic day for all who were involved in any way and the weather was incredible. Tractor drivers came from all over the country with some from as far afield as London, Liverpool, the Lake District and Hull.

“Most of the money we raise comes from street collections in the local villages and it’s fantastic that we have got to the £100,000 mark for our local air ambulance charity.

“A huge thanks to all who helped to make this such a successful event."

Anyone wishing to make a donation should phone Malcolm on 01751 432645 or email bctrun@yahoo.co.uk